Hispanic theater refers to the family of theater productions that are produced by and for people of Spanish speaking cultures. Chicano theater is made up of three major cultural families: Chicano theater, Cuban-American theater, and Nuyorican theater. The influences from Hispanic theater come mostly from Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Having been sprinkled throughout history, Hispanic theater and its different subtypes have bloomed at different points throughout America’s history.
Chicano theater had a prime time during the 1920’s across most of the American west. Chicano theater of the time narrated the trials and tribulations experienced by immigrants struggling with the new culture. Ignited by the civil right’s movement, Chicano theater grew in popularity and appeal during the 1960’s and marked Chicano’s newfound image as being a strong power for social change. An example of a Chicano theater that represented this new ideal is El Teatro Campesino, formed by Luis Valdez.
Cuban-American theater took root in New York in and Florida during the latter part of the 19th century and into the 20th century. At its birth, Cuban-American theater was almost exclusively written and performed in Spanish, but has now expanded into English as well. In the latter part of the 20th century, with the Cuban revolution came strong opinions pointed toward Fidel Castro and his communist regime which heavily influenced Cuban-American theater.
Finally, Nuyorican theater is a movement started by Puerto Rican playwrights. This theater movement sought to represent the struggles of Puerto Rican immigrants in America. Plays written during this movement are written mostly in English.
Chicano and Hispanic Theater
Hispanic theater refers to the family of theater productions that are produced by and for people of Spanish speaking cultures. Chicano theater is made up of three major cultural families: Chicano theater, Cuban-American theater, and Nuyorican theater. The influences from Hispanic theater come mostly from Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Having been sprinkled throughout history, Hispanic theater and its different subtypes have bloomed at different points throughout America’s history.
Chicano theater had a prime time during the 1920’s across most of the American west. Chicano theater of the time narrated the trials and tribulations experienced by immigrants struggling with the new culture. Ignited by the civil right’s movement, Chicano theater grew in popularity and appeal during the 1960’s and marked Chicano’s newfound image as being a strong power for social change. An example of a Chicano theater that represented this new ideal is El Teatro Campesino, formed by Luis Valdez.
Cuban-American theater took root in New York in and Florida during the latter part of the 19th century and into the 20th century. At its birth, Cuban-American theater was almost exclusively written and performed in Spanish, but has now expanded into English as well. In the latter part of the 20th century, with the Cuban revolution came strong opinions pointed toward Fidel Castro and his communist regime which heavily influenced Cuban-American theater.
Finally, Nuyorican theater is a movement started by Puerto Rican playwrights. This theater movement sought to represent the struggles of Puerto Rican immigrants in America. Plays written during this movement are written mostly in English.